Under the plan, Huddersfield Royal Infirmary (HRI) will be demolished and replaced with a new hospital which will have an urgent care centre – but no emergency care unit.

Emergency care will be centralised at Calderdale Royal Hospital (CRH), Halifax.

NHS Consultation event at North Bridge Leisure Centre, Halifax. People attending the meeting are handed leaflets by protesters at the entrance of the leisure centre.

After praising his former colleagues present at the meeting, including some of the medical chiefs behind the plan, consultant paediatrician Adnan Muhamed accused them of spin.

Mr Muhamed said: “This proposal is seriously compromising to the health and welfare of the people of Huddersfield and the people of Calderdale. There will be serious consequences to people in both areas.

“This is spin; it’s propaganda.

“I know the reality is different. The reality is people will bring their children to the nearest place.